After receiving the award at a ceremony in Monaco, the 38-year old told reporters: “For me, I’m very proud to have won. I hope that I have deserved it, and more than anything else I think that it was given to me for what I’ve done and what I’m doing. All the people who like me and who have confidence in me, this is a really powerful recognition.”

The award also recognises off-field values and conduct and honours achievements over the course of a player’s career.